Retweet (RT)

Definition - What does Retweet (RT) mean?

Retweet (RT) refers to the act of sharing or reposting other users' tweets and posts on the social networking website called Twitter. In order to retweet a tweet, the user has to click the Retweet link, which will automatically repost that existing tweet on the user's feed and provide attribution to the original poster. Tweets can also be retweeted automatically by typing the following into Twitter:

RT @username "text of the original tweet", where the username is the twitter name of the original tweeter.

Techopedia explains Retweet (RT)

Retweeting is similar to forwarding an email. Users may share interesting events or posts from people they are following through retweets. Retweeting is also considered an act of giving credit to the original person by sharing that person's most interesting posts.

For example: If a blogger tweets the following:

@timhr: Apple is releasing its new iPad next month!

A follower may retweet the post as: RT @timhr: Apple is releasing its new ipad next month!

Retweeting creates a ripple effect by helping more followers to read about a useful tweet. Retweeting not only adds value to the follower, but also helps the user build his or her personal brand. Retweeting relevant and interesting content will increase the the level of trust in that user among his followers. If a user retweets a post that points to an external source that is truly helpful and relevant to that user's followers, this might help that user attract more followers.